Arsenal are reportedly considering a move for Dan Ashworth following his shock departure from Manchester United.
Ashworth's five-month stay at Old Trafford came to an end on Sunday after a series of disagreements with senior figures led to him being sacked by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
But he could be ready for a new high-profile job, with Arsenal now eyeing him as a contender to become their new sporting director, according to ESPN.
Ashworth has been added to Arsenal's shortlist, with director Richard Garlick handling the appointment process.
Ashworth and Garlick previously worked together at West Bromwich Albion before the former left to join the FA.
The Gunners are currently looking for a replacement for Edu after the Brazilian announced his intention to leave the club last month.
Edu, who was part of Arsenal's 'Invincibles' team as a player, rejoined the club in 2019 and worked closely with Mikel Arteta to turn the club into title contenders again.
But he is now expected to take charge of Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis' multi-club project, which would see him oversee affairs at Forest, Olympiacos and Rio Ave.
Edu's departure was unexpected and Arsenal are now looking for his successor, with Ashworth in the mix despite his ill-fated spell at United.
Ashworth only started working for the Red Devils in July after serving a period of garden leave at Newcastle while they agreed a compensation package with United.
However, a clash of personalities behind the scenes meant that Ashworth's time at United was short-lived.
It is understood co-owner Ratcliffe was 'furious' by Ashworth's claim that he had nothing to do with Erik ten Hag staying at the club and being given a new contract this summer.
Ten Hag was then sacked in October after a disastrous start to the season, and United moved quickly to replace him with Ruben Amorim.
However, there was no public comment from Ashworth on Amorim's appointment, amid reports that he would have preferred a homegrown manager such as former England boss Gareth Southgate.
United made the decision to cut their losses this weekend, with the shock announcement coming just hours after their 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening.
The sad chapter in Ashworth's career does not appear to have damaged his career prospects, with Arsenal set to make a possible move for his services.
They seem convinced he is still one of the best in the business, which is what Ratcliffe claimed when he first looked to hire Ashworth earlier this year.
“Dan Ashworth is clearly one of the best sporting directors in the world,” he said in February. 'I have no doubt that he is a very capable person. He is interested in Manchester United because it is the biggest challenge at the biggest club in the world.
'It would be different at City, because you stay at the same level. Here it is a significant rebuilding job. He would be a very good addition.'
More to follow…
Comments